Cao Cao (155 – March 15, 220) is a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rises to great power during the dynasty's final years.

As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he lays the foundations for what is to become the state of Cao Wei and is posthumously titled Emperor Wu of Wei.

Although often portrayed as a cruel and merciless tyrant, Cao Cao has also been praised as a brilliant ruler and military genius who treated his subordinates like his family.

He is also skilled in poetry and martial arts and writes many war journals.